Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Location: Irvine, California Work Model: Onsite – Academic / Program Administration Employment Type: Full-time, Direct Hire Schedule: Standard academic leadership schedule (approx. full-time equivalent workload) Role Summary Our client, a higher education institution with established graduate nursing programs, is seeking a Nursing Program Director / Senior Nursing Academic Leader to oversee its graduate-level nursing education programs. This role is responsible for providing academic and operational leadership for MSN-level tracks, ensuring program quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. The position includes oversight of curriculum design, faculty development, student success initiatives, and clinical partnership coordination. The role requires a strong combination of nursing clinical expertise, academic leadership, and regulatory knowledge, with direct responsibility for accreditation readiness and program effectiveness within a structured higher education environment. Key Responsibilities Academic Leadership & Program Oversight Provide leadership and operational oversight of graduate nursing programs, including multiple MSN tracks (e.g., education and advanced practice pathways) Direct curriculum development, evaluation, and continuous improvement aligned with national nursing education standards Ensure program alignment with workforce needs and evolving healthcare education requirements Accreditation & Compliance Maintain compliance with accreditation standards and state nursing board regulations Lead preparation of accreditation materials, self‑studies, reports, and site visits Ensure ongoing adherence to institutional policies and regulatory requirements Faculty & Staff Development Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support nursing faculty across program tracks Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and student‑centered academic environment Promote faculty development and teaching excellence Student Success & Program Outcomes Oversee student admissions, progression, retention, and academic support strategies Implement data‑driven approaches to improve student outcomes and program effectiveness Lead systematic evaluation of program performance and outcomes reporting Clinical Partnerships & Practicum Coordination Develop and maintain clinical partnerships and preceptor networks Ensure high–quality practicum placement opportunities for graduate nursing students Coordinate with healthcare partners to support clinical education requirements Teaching & Scholarly Activity Teach graduate‑level nursing courses as needed based on expertise and program requirements Model professional nursing practice, academic excellence, and lifelong learning Support scholarly activity, research initiatives, and academic engagement where applicable Required Qualifications Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of California (unencumbered or eligible) Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN required), with specialization in Nursing Education and/or advanced practice nursing preferred Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD) or related field strongly preferred Minimum of 3 years of graduate‑level nursing education experience At least 3 years of experience in nursing education, clinical supervision, or nursing administration (or equivalent combined experience) Strong understanding of nursing education standards, curriculum development, and academic program management Working knowledge of accreditation and regulatory frameworks (e.g., CCNE, state board of nursing requirements) Demonstrated leadership, communication, and team‑building skills Proven experience in program development and academic administration Preferred Qualifications National certification and clinical experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP‑BC or FNP‑C) Experience teaching in MSN‑level Nursing Education and/or Nurse Practitioner programs Experience managing multiple program tracks within a higher education setting Familiarity with online and hybrid program delivery models Experience developing clinical partnerships and overseeing practicum placements Scholarly contributions, research experience, or leadership in professional nursing organizations Compensation & Work Model Competitive compensation based on education, experience, and internal equity Full‑time, direct hire academic leadership role Onsite position based in Irvine, California Leadership responsibility over graduate nursing education programs and faculty teams #J-18808-Ljbffr